Aspen Institute Announces New Artist-in-Residence
American conductor Marin Alsop is named the institute’s 2021-22 Harman/Eisner Artist-in-Residence
The Harman/Eisner Artist-in-Residence first launched in July 2006, cofounded by Sidney Harman and Michael Eisner, Aspen Institute Trustee and Chair of its Committee on the Arts.
The residency’s purpose is to engage artists in promoting thoughtful and inclusive societies, bringing innovation and courage to face societal challenges.
“Marin Alsop exemplifies these ideals through her artistry, her perseverance to become the first woman to have led a major American orchestra, and through her work to support rising leaders,” said Aspen Institute Trustee Jane Harman.
In her role, Alsop will engage in discussions on key social and civic issues; concert programming; plus other activities in Aspen, Colorado, and around the US.
“I am thrilled and honored to have this year-long opportunity to join thought leaders to discuss issues that are close to my heart, with a special emphasis on gender equality and access to the arts for all children,” said Alsop in the press release.
She was the first conductor to receive a MacArthur Fellowship and was named the 2021 Classical Woman of the Year by American Public Media’s Performance Today. A new biographical film about her life, “The Conductor,” premiered at this year’s Tribeca Film Festival.
Currently serving as chief conductor of the Vienna Radio Symphony — becoming the first woman to direct an Austrian orchestra — Alsop is also Chief Conductor and curator of Chicago’s Ravinia Festival and leads the Chicago Symphony in its summer residencies.
She is music director laureate of the Baltimore Symphony, where she recently concluded a 14-year tenure as the first woman to lead a major American orchestra. She additionally founded the Taki Alsop Conducting Fellowship which promotes the careers of female conductors.
Previous Harman/Eisner Artists-in-Residence include Ava DuVernay, Renée Fleming, Frank Gehry, Yo-Yo Ma, Jessye Norman, Julie Taymor, and Alfre Woodard.
“Marin Alsop is an extraordinarily important figure in current American classical music and a tremendous role model for young people worldwide,” noted Eisner. Her creative and groundbreaking work does so much to spark our imagination and inspire us to be active citizens.”
“[She] is an iconic conductor whose musical achievements are matched by her values and advocacy,” added Dan Porterfield, Aspen Institute’s president and CEO. “We are excited for her upcoming participation in programming across the institute.”
Alsop’s first program discussion as artist-in-residence will take place virtually on November 2, 2021. She will be joined online by Oskar Eustis, artistic director of New York’s Public Theater and who held last year’s residency.
To register for this livestream, click here.
january 2025